From mischievous kid to corporate hegemon

Author: Marc Lewis
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-09-01
Features: Their goal wasn't just to be company bosses; they wholeheartedly pursued global control. They deserve to be called world-class figures, adored like rock stars, enjoying the reverence of heroes. With his unique style, Marc Lewis details the stories of five extraordinary geniuses in the information age, allowing readers to understand how their personalities shaped their business strategies. They can be arrogant with overconfidence, driven by a strong desire to win; yet at the same time, innocent and idealistic; greedy and exceptionally talented, yet elegant. They are often hailed as unparalleled geniuses or dismissed as morally corrupt villains, but this book objectively portrays them, making it a rare and valuable read worth savoring repeatedly. — Ken Auletta, The New Yorker
When the digital age is recorded in history, the online empires founded by the five individuals described in this book could become its epitome: Bill Gates, Steve Case, Larry Ellison, John Chambers, and Jeff Bezos. However, how should we categorize them? Although they are on the cover, frequently occupying front-page headlines, appearing in TV interviews, and publishing autobiographies, their motivations and intentions remain largely unknown.
Marc Lewis spent 18 months interviewing the protagonists of this book and over 400 related individuals—family members, lovers, friends, neighbors, teachers, classmates, colleagues, employees, and competitors. He synthesized all the information to craft this masterpiece. He focuses on their uniqueness, describing their deep thoughts, flaws, darker sides, and even their vanity. Perhaps it's too early to judge these pioneers of the era, but the author provides a comprehensive, authentic, and living portrait—both in and outside the spotlight. This serves as invaluable material for understanding and evaluating them, as well as the era they represent.
21st-century business giants—Bill Gates of Microsoft, Steve Case of AOL, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, and so on... More content...